[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CITY OF BEDFORD FOR PROVIDING EARLY CANCER DETECTION 
                     SCREENING TO ITS FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary leadership of the City of Bedford for being the first 
city in the United States to provide early cancer detection blood 
testing to its fire department.
  According to the International Association of Firefighters, cancer is 
now the leading cause of death among firefighters. During fire 
suppression and overhaul activities, firefighters may be exposed to 
smoke and other byproducts of combustion, many of which contain known 
carcinogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 
that firefighters have a 14 percent higher rate of cancer incidence as 
compared to the general population.
  For departments across the country, these are more than just 
statistics; it is a reality that firefighters and their loved ones feel 
acutely. After experiencing firsthand the losses of both retired and 
active firefighters due to cancer, the City of Bedford took action. 
Earlier this year, the Bedford City Council--working with the Bedford 
Professional Firefighter's Association and Fire Chief Sean Patrick 
Fay--voted to provide early cancer detection blood testing to the fire 
department. With this test, Bedford firefighters have an advanced tool 
to help detect the possible presence of cancer in its beginning stages, 
giving them the best chance to fight the disease.
  The firefighters of Bedford put themselves at tremendous risk day in 
and day out to ensure the safety of their community. I am profoundly 
encouraged by the implementation of the early cancer detection 
screening program and am certain that this is the first of many steps 
we can take to enhance protection for our firefighters.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I 
ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the 
outstanding and proactive leadership of the City of Bedford and the 
brave men and women of the Bedford Fire Department.

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